Honorary degree 2026: Chief David Jimmie’s work focuses on connection and collaboration

David Jimmie has spent most of his life building bridges to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and businesses together. David, who will receive an honorary doctorate at UFV’s June 9 convocation ceremony, says that from a very young age he recognized the barriers that often existed between First Nations communities and the broader society around them. Those early observations helped shape his commitment to creating opportunities, fostering understanding, and building meaningful partnerships.

When he was growing up, many Chilliwack residents would not have been able to tell you where the Squiala First Nation was. These days, thousands of people visit Squiala annually, many without even knowing it, as they frequent the shops, restaurants, and cinemas in the Eagle Landing Shopping Centre. Leading his community through economic development that benefits his nation is one of David’s many accomplishments.

“Growing up, I became aware that there were gaps in understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities,” he says. “I saw how easy it was for people to form opinions without truly knowing one another. That inspired me to focus on building relationships, creating partnerships, and helping people find common purpose despite their different backgrounds.”

Added to that, David says First Nations had to fight for fishing, voting, and legal rights — issues that he feels were intended to create division.

“Education has played a significant role in changing perspectives,” David says. “For many years, Indigenous histories and experiences weren’t part of the conversations taking place in classrooms and communities. Today, we’re seeing a new generation grow up with greater awareness, curiosity, and understanding, and that’s helping build stronger relationships and a more inclusive future.”

Growing up both on and off Squiala First Nation gave David the opportunity to experience different worlds and to build relationships across communities. Those experiences helped shape his belief that lasting progress comes from understanding, collaboration, and strong relationships.

“Growing up between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities gave me a unique perspective,” he says. “It reinforced my belief that people are far more alike than they are different. When we focus on building relationships and working toward common goals, we can accomplish far more together than we ever could apart.”

When David became Squiala’s Chief and CEO 15 years ago, he says he found the space to explore his philosophy, building relationships on and off reserve. He forged connections with leaders including Chilliwack Mayor Ken Popove, Tourism Chilliwack Executive Director Allison Colthorpe, and Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce CEO Leanna Kemp.

“Being able to see what we could bring to the city as a collective, versus staying in our silos, was important,” he says. “We can make the city better by working together.”

But his reach has extended well beyond Chilliwack.

Until recently, he was the longtime president of the Stó:lō Nation Chiefs’ Council and he is currently president of Ts’elxweyeqw Tribe, representing seven Ts’elxweyeqw communities. David served on the board of the New Relationship Trust of B.C., building capacity in governance, education, language and culture, youth, elders, and economic development.

He played a key role in marshalling the resources of 38 First Nations in B.C., collectively investing $736 million in Enbridge’s Westcoast natural gas pipeline system. Through that historic partnership, Stonlasec8 Indigenous Alliance Limited Partnership now owns 12.5 per cent of the pipeline.

He is currently working on another major pipeline project, Trans Mountain, involving 36 Indigenous groups.

“I’ve always wanted people to see First Nations as partners, leaders, and contributors in building a stronger future,” David says. “The progress we’re seeing today is the result of generations of people who worked hard to create opportunities for those who would follow. It’s our responsibility to continue building on that foundation and create even greater opportunities for the next generation.”

Byng Giraud, UFV’s recently named Executive-in-Residence, worked with David on the Enbridge project. Byng says David’s leadership and forward-thinking approach serve as an inspiration to many, and his ability to honour the past while striving for a better future is truly commendable.

“Chief Jimmie has been a vocal advocate for collaboration and partnership, particularly with the University of the Fraser Valley,” Byng says. “Through his leadership, he has worked tirelessly to enhance the well-being of the Squiala First Nation and create opportunities for economic and social progress. He honours his Indigenous heritage while actively pursuing a brighter tomorrow for all.”

If you’d told David 18 or so years ago that he would have accomplished all he has, he would have been skeptical.

Being a chief, for instance, was not something he thought he’d ever want to do, and he credits his mom for planting the seeds and subtly steering him in the direction of community service. He also credits post-secondary education (a Master of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University, along with earlier coursework at UFV) for giving him the knowledge to succeed in what he’s doing.

“Education creates opportunities and empowers people to pursue their goals, whether through university, college, or the skilled trades,” David says. “But learning doesn’t only happen in classrooms. The knowledge shared by Elders, the teachings carried through ceremony, and the values passed from one generation to the next are equally important. When we recognize and value both, we strengthen our communities and our future.”

No matter what form education comes in, he challenges young Indigenous learners to think about their role in the world, and how they’ll shape the future.

“We are living in a time when more opportunities exist than ever before for young people to make a difference,” he says. “The generations before us worked hard to create those opportunities, and we have a responsibility to build on that progress for those who will follow. Whether Indigenous or non-Indigenous, when people come together around shared goals and a common purpose, everyone benefits.”